Former Reading striker Nicky Forster has become Joe Royle's first recruit of the close season. As TWTD reported this morning, the 31-year-old has signed a two-year contract at Portman Road, joining on a Bosman free transfer.

Forster was paraded at a much-delayed Portman Road press conference this evening, alongside manager Joe Royle, who had flown back from Majorca to tie-up the deal, chairman David Sheepshanks and chief executive Derek Bowden.

Royle says Forster is a player he has admired for a long time and was his first choice when he knew he had a vacancy for a striker: "When we knew we were going to lose Darren, Nick went straight to the top of my list, particularly when I knew he was going to be on a Bosman this summer.

"It's great getting him, if nothing else to stop him playing against us as he's been a pain the backside against us since I've known him!

"He's been a terrific player, I love his movement in the box, I love strikers who have mobility and he can give us that.

"He's been a top goalscorer in this division, he's been in the divisional side in this league, a little light on goals by his own high standards but still one in three in what was a hard season for him last year.

"I'm confident he can get well into double figures this season and give us the goals that Benty did."

Forster, who has scored against the Blues five times including a hat-trick two years ago for Reading at the Madejski Stadium, unsurprisingly says he has always liked Portman Road: "I've played here a few times and enjoyed myself.

"The club's fantastic, the whole thing. From the moment we drove in today we realised how friendly the club is, from the guys at the entrance throughout the whole set-up and is really geared towards the top flight.

"As Joe said, I had a frustrating time last season but I'm confident about the new season and looking forward to getting Ipswich into the Premiership.

"I'm proud and very appreciative that I've been given the chance to play here week-in, week-out."

Chairman David Sheepshanks wished Forster well during his time with the Blues: "We welcome Nicky Forster to Portman Road and hope he will have a thoroughly successful time here.

"Joe Royle was extremely keen to secure him as an experienced and wily striker who can add an extra dimension to our team.

"Nicky is the first of a number of signings that we hope to confirm over the coming days and weeks."

Swindon striker Sam Parkin was at Portman Road for talks earlier today but chairman Sheepshanks says there is a still work to be done before Joe Royle can announce his second summer signing: "It's progressing well, we're in discussion and hopeful. I can't tell you any more yet."

Photo: Action Images

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